Choosing the right BLS registration can be confusing, especially when you are trying to determine whether you need the complete American Heart Association BLS course or only the hands-on skills component.
For healthcare professionals, nursing students and other learners, the most important question is: Have you already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode BLS online course?
If you have not completed the required online course, BLS Online + Skills may be the appropriate option. If you have already completed the appropriate HeartCode BLS course and have your completion certificate, BLS Skills Only may be the appropriate registration.
Citywide CPR is an American Heart Association Training Center offering BLS certification and renewal options, including Self-Guided Skills Sessions at participating locations.
BLS Online + Skills vs. BLS Skills Only: What’s the Difference?
The two registration options are designed for different situations. Understanding the difference before you register can help you avoid purchasing an online course you have already completed or selecting a skills-only option when you still need the online component.
BLS Online + Skills
BLS Online + Skills is designed for learners who need both the applicable AHA HeartCode BLS online learning and the required hands-on skills component.
You complete the online coursework and then attend a scheduled Self-Guided Skills Session to practice and perform the required hands-on BLS skills.
If you need the complete course, review the BLS Online + Skills option before registering.
BLS Skills Only
BLS Skills Only is intended for learners who have already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode BLS online course and need to complete the hands-on skills component.
During registration, you should be prepared to provide or upload your HeartCode completion certificate according to the registration instructions.
If you already completed HeartCode BLS, review the BLS Skills Only registration option to determine whether it fits your situation.
Which BLS Option Should I Choose?
A simple way to approach the decision is:
Choose BLS Online + Skills if: you need the applicable AHA online BLS course and the required hands-on skills session.
Choose BLS Skills Only if: you have already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode BLS online course and have the corresponding completion certificate.
If you are unsure which option applies to you, start with the BLS certification overview or confirm the certification requirements with your employer, school, clinical program or other organization before registering.
Requirements can vary, so make sure you know which AHA BLS course and documentation you have been asked to provide.
How Does a Self-Guided BLS Skills Session Work?
A Self-Guided Skills Session is the hands-on portion of the training experience for applicable Citywide CPR courses.
Rather than participating in a traditional instructor-led classroom throughout the session, you use a CPR Verification Station™ learning center and training equipment to practice and perform the required skills.
The system provides real-time audio and/or visual feedback during the skills experience. Depending on the applicable skill, feedback can include measurements such as compression rate, compression depth, chest recoil and ventilation performance.
This feedback gives you information about your performance while you work through the required skills experience and can help guide adjustments as you practice and perform.
What Happens During the Skills Session?
After arriving for your scheduled appointment, you use the available training equipment and follow the system’s guidance through the required skills experience.
Self-Guided means the session is designed around system-guided skills practice and testing rather than requiring an instructor to stand beside you throughout the entire appointment. Citywide CPR support is available if assistance with the session or equipment is needed.
Learn more about the experience through Citywide CPR’s Self-Guided CPR Training resource.
What BLS Skills Are Included?
The applicable AHA BLS course addresses the hands-on skills required for that course. Depending on the course requirements, this can include adult, child and infant BLS skills.
Your exact course requirements should be based on the AHA course you are completing and any requirements provided by your employer, school or clinical program.
BLS Certification vs. BLS Renewal
Whether you are taking BLS for the first time or renewing an existing certification, begin by determining what your employer, school, clinical program or other organization requires.
You may be completing an initial BLS certification, renewing an existing credential or completing training because a previous certification has expired. The appropriate registration option depends on the course components you need to complete.
If you need both the online learning and hands-on skills component, review BLS Online + Skills. If you have already completed the appropriate HeartCode BLS online course, BLS Skills Only may be the appropriate pathway.
How Do I Find a Citywide CPR BLS Location?
Once you know which registration option you need, the next step is finding a participating Citywide CPR location and available appointment.
Citywide CPR has locations in multiple cities and states. Availability varies by location, so use the Citywide CPR location finder to find a participating location and review available BLS options.
When selecting your appointment, make sure you choose the correct BLS registration type.
For organizations coordinating certification for multiple employees, Citywide CPR also offers onsite CPR and staff-training options for groups and workplaces that may benefit from onsite training.
What Should I Bring to a BLS Skills Only Appointment?
If you are completing Skills Only because you already finished HeartCode BLS, have your HeartCode completion certificate available according to the registration instructions.
If your employer, school or clinical program provided additional documentation requirements, review those before your appointment as well.
What Happens After I Successfully Complete BLS?
After you successfully complete the applicable course requirements and hands-on skills session, your certification documentation can be processed.
The official AHA eCard is processed the same day after successful completion of course requirements and the skills session.
The eCard provides your electronic certification credential and can serve as documentation of successful completion. Employers, schools, clinical programs and other organizations may have their own requirements, so confirm that you are completing the specific AHA BLS course they require.
Check Current BLS Promotions Before Registering
Citywide CPR may offer promotional pricing or other discounts for eligible BLS registrations. Because offers and eligibility can change, review the current BLS offers and promotions before registering.
Citywide CPR also offers bundle discounts for eligible BLS, ACLS and PALS registrations. Review the current BLS, ACLS and PALS bundle discounts to see whether an available offer applies to your registration.
Do not assume that promotions can be combined. Always review the current terms and eligibility requirements before completing your purchase.
What If I Also Need ACLS or PALS?
BLS is the focus of this article, but Citywide CPR also offers ACLS and PALS certification and renewal options.
If your healthcare role requires more than BLS, identify each certification you have been asked to complete before registering. Different healthcare roles, employers and clinical programs can have different certification requirements.
Need Help Choosing the Right BLS Registration?
If you are comparing two BLS registration options and are not sure which one you need, start with one question:
Have you already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode BLS online course?
If the answer is no, BLS Online + Skills may be the appropriate option because it includes the applicable online learning and hands-on skills component.
If the answer is yes and you have your HeartCode completion certificate, BLS Skills Only may be the appropriate option.
If you are still uncertain, confirm your requirements with the organization requesting your certification and review Citywide CPR’s BLS course options before registering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BLS Online + Skills the same as BLS Skills Only?
No. BLS Online + Skills includes the applicable online learning and required hands-on skills component. Skills Only is intended for someone who has already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode BLS online course and needs the hands-on skills component.
Can I choose Skills Only if I already completed HeartCode BLS?
Yes. If you have completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode BLS online course, you can select the BLS Skills Only option and provide or upload your HeartCode completion certificate as required during registration.
Is BLS Online + Skills completely online?
No. The online coursework is completed separately, but the applicable BLS course also requires the hands-on skills component. With BLS Online + Skills, you complete the online learning before attending the scheduled skills session.
What is a Self-Guided Skills Session?
A Self-Guided Skills Session is a hands-on training and skills experience that uses a CPR Verification Station™ learning center and applicable training equipment to guide the participant. The equipment provides real-time audio and/or visual feedback during the skills experience.
Do I need an instructor standing beside me during a Self-Guided Skills Session?
A Self-Guided Skills Session is designed so participants follow the system’s guidance rather than having an instructor physically stand beside them throughout the entire session. Citywide CPR support is available if assistance with the session or equipment is needed.
Where can I find a BLS class or skills session?
Use the Citywide CPR location finder to find participating locations and review available BLS registration options and appointments.
Can I use BLS Skills Only for a renewal?
Skills Only may be appropriate when you have already completed the required AHA HeartCode BLS online course. Whether it is the correct option for your particular renewal situation depends on what course and documentation your employer, school, clinical program or other organization requires.
When will I receive my AHA BLS eCard?
The official AHA eCard is processed the same day after successful completion of course requirements and the skills session.
Schedule Your BLS Certification or Renewal
Once you know which BLS option you need, you can move directly to registration.
If you need both components, review BLS Online + Skills. If you have already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode BLS online course, review BLS Skills Only.
Then find a Citywide CPR location and select a participating location and available appointment that fit your needs.
If you are still comparing your options, start with the BLS certification overview and confirm the certification requirements you have been given before registering.